On November 22, 2024, the FCC released the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) initiating the first comprehensive review of the Commission’s submarine cable rules since 2001, addressing significant changes in technology, consumer expectations, international traffic patterns, and national security threats over the past two decades. The NPRM was adopted at the November Open Meeting.
The NPRM requests feedback on improving and streamlining the FCC’s rules to enhance the efficient deployment of submarine cables while ensuring their security and resilience. Key proposals include codifying the Commission’s legal jurisdiction to provide regulatory certainty for cable operators; establishing a three-year review process for cable landing licenses as well as potentially shortening the current 25-year license term; updating application requirements for national security purposes; and implementing new compliance certifications. The NPRM also seeks input on measures to protect submarine cable infrastructure; updating rules to address national security risks (including but not limited to requiring certain information about applicant’s lessors of submarine cable landing stations and/or data centers housing hardware); streamlining review processes; and improving the quality of Circuit Capacity data for better sharing with federal agencies.
The adopted NPRM is consistent with the summary of the draft NPRM.
Comments will be due 30 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Reply comments will be due 60 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register.
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